Private health sector players have emphasized that developing affordable and innovative health insurance products will significantly boost insurance uptake and address the healthcare funding gap.
During the launch of the J-Junior Medical Cover by Jubilee Health Insurance on Tuesday at Serena Hotel Kampala, experts noted that collaboration between the government and health stakeholders will not only enhance access to quality healthcare but also alleviate the financial burden on individuals and families caused by high medical costs.
This discussion follows recent findings in the World Bank’s 23rd Uganda Economic Update Report, which revealed that one million Ugandans slip into poverty annually due to out-of-pocket health expenses.
Despite this concerning statistic, the country has made remarkable strides towards achieving universal health coverage. The percentage of households impoverished due to out-of-pocket expenditure on health has decreased since 2005, highlighting that investments in the health sector are yielding positive outcomes.
“As key healthcare stakeholders, we closely monitor research that informs the state of our sector. We are encouraged by the progress towards universal access to medical care. As part of our company’s effort to significantly reduce out-of-pocket expenses, we will continue to innovate affordable products that meet the diverse health needs of individuals,” said Dan Musiime, Jubilee Health Insurance CEO.
Discussing the J-Junior product, Musiime noted that it was developed in response to recent statistics from the Uganda Bureau of Statistics and the Ministry of Health, which revealed significant gaps in healthcare access and outcomes for children in Uganda. Research shows that the under-five mortality rate stands at 46 deaths per 1,000 live births, with many children suffering from preventable illnesses due to a lack of timely medical care.
“To promote equity and social justice, we must address mortality rates by offering solutions that ensure children have the opportunity to survive and thrive, regardless of their socio-economic background,” said Musiime. “J-Junior is the first comprehensive health insurance policy in Uganda designed specifically for children between 0-17 years, aiming to provide them with the essential healthcare they need.”
Dr Daniel Tumwine, CEO, of the International Paediatric Group, welcomed the product and noted that on average, there are 25 million patient visits in Uganda annually. As these numbers increase, so does the demand for affordable quality medical services especially by parents because young children fall sick a lot.
The J-Junior policy can be purchased through the Jubilee Uganda website, partner banks including DTB, KCB, Ecobank, Absa, DFCU, and I&M, as well as through licensed Jubilee Health Insurance agents and insurance brokers.
Meanwhile, the benefits of this product include; Five Levels of Comprehensive Cover: Tailored options to suit various healthcare needs and budgets. Extensive Coverage: Includes pre-existing conditions, chronic illnesses, psychiatric care, congenital conditions, and HIV/AIDS.
Nationwide Provider Network: Access to a wide range of healthcare providers across Uganda. Referral Treatment: Coverage for treatment outside Uganda, ensuring access to specialized care when needed. Post-Hospitalization Benefits: Support for recovery after hospital stays. Funeral Expenses Benefit: Financial support during challenging times.
The product is fit for children between 0-17 years and the lowest package is from Shs970,000-Shs2.5m it will operate in all hospitals having Jubilee health Insurance MoUs and these are over 300 hospitals in different parts of the country
“We have over 335 hospitals across the country which puts us in the unique position to support our clients whenever they might be. We can also support parents with cases which may not be able to be handled locally with international referrals,” said Dr Maurice Ego, Head of Claims, Jubilee Health Insurance.
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